Tasting note

There are 535 cases of the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois (100% Grenache from 110-year-old vines planted on the famed small rocks called Galets Roules). It is a classic Chateauneuf with lots of roasted herb, licorice, cedar, resiny pine forest, kirsch liqueur and black raspberry characteristics. It possesses a deep plum/garnet color as well as full body, 15+% natural alcohol and 15 years of drinkability. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois, which comes from the Bedarrides sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, reveals flamboyant aromas of licorice, Christmas fruitcake, loamy soil, black cherries, black currants and raspberries. This spicy, peppery, earthy, exotic, full-bodied, super-rich 2010 is slightly more structured than the superb 2009. It begs for several years of cellaring, and should drink well for 15 or more.